Naturopathic doctors are trained to address all health concerns – whether you come in with a medical condition or are simply looking to feel better in your day to day. Naturopathic medicine can work with you to optimize your health. The main focus of a naturopathic doctor is to educate patients and work with them to collectively improve their quality of life and achieve their health goals.

Naturopathic doctors are also trained to functionally analyze lab work. To read more about how a naturopathic doctor decides which labs to run, what your results mean, and which additional speciality test might be necessary READ HERE

Naturopathic doctors have a minimum 8 years of schooling. NDs have an undergraduate degree and a degree from a 4 year accredited naturopathic medical school.

In order to practice as a naturopathic doctor in Alberta, one must have graduated from an approved naturopathic medical program, successfully passed the standardized North American licensing exams and the provincial jurisprudence examination. Additionally, an ND must uphold in good standing with their respective governing body.

Naturopathic medicine is a whole-system approach that can be very effective at improving quality of life.  Don’t just take our word for it – according to a systematic review, naturopathic medicine has been shown to be effective for treating cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal pain, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, depression, anxiety, and a range of complex chronic conditions.

Here are some resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6389764/

https://naturemed.org/faq/faq-is-naturopathic-medicine-safe/

If you want to learn more about your heatlh, address the root cause of your concerns, and gain tools to optimize your health then yes – you should see a naturopathic doctor

Your first appointment with an Naturopathic Doctor will be 90 minutes. Here, they’ll dive into your health history, complete a timeline of symptoms, check in on mental and emotional health, evaluate lab work, and perform any necessary physical exams – like blood pressure. They’ll create an individualized treatment plan that addresses the root of your symptoms. Follow-up care plans vary based on patient needs.

Naturopathic doctors use various modalities like herbal medicine, vitamins and nutrition to provide you with the best treatment options. See the video below to learn more about the modalities.

1. Digestion – constipation, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, IBS
2. Women’s Health – everything from PMS to menopause, endometriosis, PCOS
3. Mental Health – anxiety, depression, stress management
4. Immune Heath – allergies, chronic infections, autoimmune disease
5. Skin Health – eczema, acne, psoriasis
6. Disease Management – diabetes, hypertension, asthma
7. Everything In Between – insomnia, headaches, migraines, concussion recovery

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells, in DNA synthesis, and in an optimally functioning nervous system.

B12 injections provide 100% delivery and absorption of Vitamin B12. In comparison, the absorption of an oral B12 supplement is only 5%!

B12 may be for you if you:

• experience digestive issues
• are vegan or vegetarian
• have heartburn and have been on a PPI for a while
• are middle-aged or older with a poor diet
• have diabetes
• or just feel depleted and off

A B12 appointment can be in combination with a regular Naturopathic appointment or booked as an appointment on its own:

-B12 Injection Initial Visit is 30 min in length and includes a brief work-up with Dr. Jess, ND as well as the administration of a B12 injection. $75.00

-B12 Injection Follow Up is a 15 min appointment. The cost is $35.00

Signs and Symptoms Include:

• Fatigue
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Disorientation
• Depression

However, you don’t have to wait to feel unwell to benefit from Vitamin B12. You can test for your Vitamin B12 levels through your Doctor of Medicine or Naturopathic Doctor.